A solid eighteen-carat white gold Audemars Piguet ladies’ cocktail watch with diamonds and emeralds. This is perhaps the finest, most eye-catching modern interpretation of a ladies’ cocktail watch any brand has attempted since Cartier created its gem-set masterpieces in the 1930s. This watch truly is a masterpiece. The soft elliptical centre watch case is swarmed with the most beautiful, clean and bright brilliant-cut and pear-cut diamonds, framing it in the most spectacular way imaginable.

The round brilliant-cut diamonds graduate from the top of the case, becoming progressively larger towards the centre. The stones transition gradually from approximately 0.20ct stones to 0.35ct in the middle before tapering back down. The breathtaking top and bottom sections of the watch are set with four pear-shaped diamonds, creating a floral-style motif. The top two stones are larger than the bottom two. The top diamonds are approximately 0.40ct each, while the bottom two are approximately 0.30ct each.

All of the stones are, as one would expect, colour F/G. The clarity is VVS throughout.

The dial itself is also a work of art. The fully pavé-set diamond dial has three emeralds marking the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. The AP logo is hand cut from eighteen-carat white gold and pinned to the dial. The fine, solid eighteen-carat white gold pencil-shaped hands are painted black in order to stand out against the bright brilliant diamonds beneath.

The watch is powered by the AP quartz calibre 2601 movement. This was a workhorse quartz movement used extensively by AP across its elegant cocktail-sized watches. This also translates to easy maintenance and a very simple watch to live with, with not even a date complication to worry about. Being a quartz watch, there is no crown on the side of the case to disturb the jewelled lines. To set the watch there is a setting pin on the rear of the case, as can be seen in the image of the back of the watch.

This example dates to the 1990s. It has a classic flip-lock buckle, which opens by lifting the folding AP-signed clasp. The inside features a ladder-style catch with two sizing options and a safety catch for added security. The condition is superb throughout, appearing unpolished. The herringbone-style bracelet is very comfortable to wear and moves freely. It is very lightly worn and has no sag. The clasp is fully hallmarked on the underside. Please note that the bracelet is quite short.

It currently measures six inches in length. Should additional links be required, please reach out in advance and we can enquire with AP about ordering them.

This is perhaps a piece unique. A few similar examples have come to market over the years, but never one exactly the same as this. This was AP creating some of its most serious haute joaillerie pieces in order to compete with the likes of Cartier, Piaget, VCA, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe at the very top of the ladies’ jewelled watch market.

With regard to one of the greatest names in watchmaking, this is one of the finest jewellery pieces ever produced by the atelier. Examples as fine as this rarely surface, as they now reside safely in private collections around the world. This is a special watch, a true showstopper to wear, and one that cannot be matched by any rival brand.